Jesus on Death Row: The Trial of Jesus and American Capital Punishment (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Baylor University law professor and former prosecutor Osler challenges Christian support for the death penalty by fitting the story of Jesus' trial and death into the modern criminal justice process in the United States. His chapters follow the arc of Christ's last days and examine their symmetry with aspects of modern criminal trials, noting the use of a paid informant, denial of habeas corpus and humiliation of the convicted. The chapter on last meals offers compelling ligatures between the public's fascination with death row inmates' last requests—foods like chicken-fried steak and chili cheese dogs—and the celebration of the Eucharist, which commemorates "the last meal of a man who knew he would be killed by the state the next day." At times Osler's thesis—that God's "creation of an earthly Christ subjected to capital punishment seems to reveal his intent that we care not only about that man, but that process"—gets lost in the details of the extended parallel. Yet the book makes an effective, and surprisingly gentle, case against the death penalty, an argument aimed at the majority of American Christians who see no irony in supporting capital punishment while following one who was a defendant and victim of it. (Feb.)
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Product Description

Jesus Christ was a prisoner on death row. If that statement surprises you, consider this fact: of all the roles that Jesus played--preacher, teacher, healer, mentor, friend--none features as prominently in the gospels as this one, a criminal indicted and convicted of a capital offense.  Now consider another fact: the arrest, trial, and execution of Jesus bear remarkable similarities to the American criminal justice system, especially in capital cases. From the use of paid informants to the conflicting testimony of witnesses to the denial of clemency, the elements in the story of Jesus' trial mirror the most common components in capital cases today. Finally, consider a question: How might we see capital punishment in this country differently if we realized that the system used to condemn the Son of God to death so closely resembles the system we use in capital cases today? Should the experience of Jesus' trial, conviction, and execution  give us pause as we take similar steps to place individuals on death row today? These are the questions posed by this surprising, challenging, and enlightening book Chapters include: The Story of Jesus Christ, Defendant The Investigation and Inculpatory Statements The Use of a Paid Informant Strategic Arrest The Maiming of the Slave and the Role of Power The Initial Appearance Last Meal/Last Supper The Fact of a Trial The Trial Witnesses The Prosecutor's Emotion The Appeal to Pilate Habeas Denied The Governor Denies Clemency Humiliation of the Convicted A Cruel and Unusual Execution Forfeiture The Problem of Innocence Aloneness and The Ethics of the Crowd

Product Details

• Hardcover: 157 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (February 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687647568
• ISBN-13: 978-0687647569
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #95,695 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, powerfully stated, February 25, 2009

By	R. Darden - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Jesus on Death Row" is a wonderfully rewarding surprise. Elegantly written, with a host of fascinating stories and allusions, Prof. Osler delicately stitches together a narrative of the trial and execution of Jesus with modern American Christian views on the death penalty. This is NOT a dogmatic screed. Instead, "Jesus on Death Row" is a thoughtful, sometimes surprising essay on what we believe -- and why. I loved every page.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reflective look at the interaction of faith and justice, February 11, 2009

By	C. T. Sandlin (San Angelo, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What do the life and death of Christ have to do with the way Christians approach the criminal justice system? The death penalty? More than you might think according to Mark Osler, former prosecutor and current Baylor Law professor. Far from settling for worn clichés and easy answers, Osler presents a thoughtful, reflective look at the United States criminal justice system through the lens of the crucifixion of Christ. In taking this cruciform look at how we try, convict, and punish criminals, Osler provides compelling insights into the ways Christians can bring both justice and mercy to the criminal justice system.

His insights alone are worth the price of the book, but I also see great value in exposing believers to not just the content of the book but also Osler's method. As a pastor, Osler does what I hope every believer in Jesus Christ would do, he takes the life and the teachings of Christ and applies them in a reflective manner to his daily life (not simply his devotional life). Believers from all types of professions would benefit from following Osler's example of allowing the life and death and resurrection of Christ to inform, question, and challenge their own professions and areas of expertise.

Not only will I encourage others to read his book but will also encouge them to likewise engage other areas of life (Health care, education, etc) from a cruciform point of view.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking and a good read, February 11, 2009

By	Thomas W. Brooke (Falls Church, Virginia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Many books on political, social, religious and philosophical issues are heavy-handed, ponderous and much too long. This book makes its points in a highly engaging fashion and does not repeat the same themes over and over.

Its a brisk read that will leave the reader thinking about the issues raised instead of confused over the reasoning. Like a good lawyer, the author gets to the point and provides evidence in the form of biblical citations to back up his argument.